Is Fighting in Hockey Still A Necessary Part of the Game? | Canadiens Connection ep 256
Fighting has a long history in the game of NHL hockey and certainly the Montreal Canadiens. Is it essential to the sport or has the time come for it to be banned?
© Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports - Is Fighting in Hockey Still A Necessary Part of the Game? | Canadiens Connection ep 256It's 'Enforcers Week' here at The Hockey News. In an earlier post, we ranked the top 5 Montreal Canadiens fighters of all-time. Fighting in the NHL and in hockey, in general, elicits strong opinions on both sides of this complex issue. And in some cases, government has stepped in to force change in hockey.
This set the table for this week's episode of Canadiens Connection podcast. We discuss the announcement by the QMJHL to effectively ban fighting in their league starting in the 2023-24 season. The new rules were in response to officials of the provincial legislature who demanded action.
We examine the impact of fighting in the NHL and how it has evolved over the past 20 years. We look at the negative effects on the health of the players in the league and viewership. And we touch on how players have insisted on self-policing their sport.
It's fair to say that it is an issue that has to be considered in its entirety and comes without a simplistic black or white solution.
In addition, the show examines the Canadiens news of the week involving a blockbuster three-team trade with Kent Hughes reacquiring Jeff Petry and adding Casey DeSmith and Nathan Legare to the fold.
Be sure to listen to these topics and more in the latest episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast. It's episode 256 of our sixth season. Click the link HERE or below in this post.
This Week’s Show: Is Fighting in Hockey Still A Necessary Part of the Game?
Segment 1 | Week in Review, Habs News, League News
- The Canadiens traded forwards Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick in a three-team trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks. Montreal received Jeff Petry, Casey DeSmith, Nathan Legare and Pittsburgh's 2025 second-round draft pick.
- QMJHL will officially ban fighting in 2023-24.
- Quote of the Week from Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki.
Segment 2 | A Comprehensive Look at the Role That Fighting Plays in the NHL
- It was Enforcers Week at The Hockey News with a focus on the best fighters of each of the 32 franchises in the NHL. At the same time, the QMJHL was issuing their new rules to ban fighting in the league.
- So the question is: what is the state of fighting in our game of hockey?
Segment 3 | Have Your Say
- Canadiens upcoming events.
- Canadiens Connection question of the week.
- Listener's texts and emails.
Get the Canadiens Connection
Use our single link here to subscribe to the Canadiens Connection your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
A new episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast is available weekly on Saturday afternoon. Missed an episode? You can download every episode of the Canadiens Connection HERE.
Listen to the Latest Episode
You can listen to the latest episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast here: Is Fighting in Hockey Still A Necessary Part of the Game? | Canadiens Connection ep 256
Canadiens Connection on Rocket Sports Radio
Thank you for listening to the Canadiens Connection. This engaging podcast connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a plugged-in source they know and trust.
Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@RocketSports) with Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella), Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.